This past weekend was something special. It was not just a typical backpacking trip filled with campfires, good food and chilling in a hammock. We enjoyed all of those things, of course. However, we slowed things down even further to enjoy the magnificent display of beauty that was going on overhead.
Fuji X-T20 Astrophotography
The evening started out with a bit of a rush. We all took a half day off work, drove 2 hours to our destination and hiked as quickly as possible to get to our camp spot. Upon arriving, we only had 2-3 hours to spare before sunset. This time was filled with collecting our nightly supply of firewood, setting up our hammocks and tarps. Then we took a quick break to start our fire and cook a quick meal.
Shot with the Fuji X-T20, 23mm 1.4 and Gobe UV/Protective Filter
By the time we finished all of our camp chores we, unfortunately, missed our opportunity to view the sunset. This was discouraging if I’m honest. Sunsets have always been one of my favorite things to view while I’m on outdoor adventures. However, given the remaining part of this trip, I’m beginning to wonder if the truest beauty shows itself in the night skies.
After the sun set, we spent some time relaxing in our hammocks, talking about life, catching up and enjoying a hot meal before the night became cooler.
As we turned around to peek through the forest’s canopy the sky was lit up with a warm red glow from the moon. At this point, my rest was over and it was time to get to work capturing some beautiful shots of the night sky.
I quickly hopped up, threw my camera around my neck, retrieved my Vanguard tripod from my bag, gathered up my filters and made my way to our viewing location for the night.
The Gear I Used:
For this trip, I brought along the following pieces of gear:
A Vanguard VEO 235 AB tripod, MindShift Filter Nest which was clipped onto my tripod, multiple Gobe Filters and of course my Fuji X-T20 and 23mm f1.4 Lens.
Fuji X-T20:
The Fuji X-T20 is my all-time favorite camera. It has a way of making me feel more creative as I use it and it pushes me to create better content. It performed phenomenally for astrophotography this past weekend as well, which makes me even happier to own it and work with it each day. (Buy on Amazon)
Fuji XF 23mm 1.4:
I cannot speak higher of the XF 23mm 1.4 Lens by Fuji. I actually purchased this lens last week for some upcoming projects and for this trip. The 1.4 aperture let in a phenomenal amount of light, which was a great asset for this trip. Without it, some of these shots would not have been possible. I have a feeling this lens and I are going to be best friends for quite some time. (Buy on Amazon)
MindShift Filter Nest:
The Filter Nest by Mindshift is a brilliant filter case. It easily swallows up a trips-worth of lens filters and then some. I even kept my spare batteries and lens clothes in it. In addition to storage, it made for a fantastic work space when I needed to swap filters (which mainly came into play during the day, since I was shooting protective UV filters at night). (Buy on Amazon)
Gobe Filters:
I am a big fan of Gobe. Their filters maintain an excellent balance between price & quality. (I really like their German SCHOTT glass) They are also the perfect companion for an outdoor photographer like myself, considering they plant 5 trees with the purchase of one filter. This is a great opportunity to reinvest into the beautiful landscapes in which I love to photograph. (Buy on Amazon)
Tripod:
My Vanguard VEO Tripod has always been a faithful friend on these types of trips. Rock solid, compact when folded up and lightweight considering its capabilities. (Buy on Amazon)
Enjoying the Night
As the night progressed, I became more and more impressed by the way this camera and lens performed. So much so, that I began to forgot all of the technical specs…I wasn’t worrying about all of the nerdy things that we seem to obsess over as photographers. My gear was like an extension of me at this point.
This is a big deal and one of the biggest compliments I can give to my work-tools. When I don’t have to think about them, it allows me to enjoy the moments while creating content that I will have for years to come.
Surrounded By Stars & Nature
This is a night that I will not soon forget and it will honestly be one that is hard to beat. I was surrounded by countless stars, an epic moon, sounds of nature/wildlife and nothing else. All that existed in that moment seemed to be what was within my 360° view on the side of that mountain.
Get Out & Explore
If you have ever wanted to experience the fullness of the beautiful world we live in, find a place with total darkness. Go there and stay until all you can see are the moon and stars. It is a breathtaking display and will make you forget about everything that won’t matter in the end. It is a display of beauty that so many humans will never experience because of city lights, modern life and their lack of desire to escape from those things.
Fuji X-T20 and 23mm 1.4
As for my fellow photographers…If you’re considering purchasing a Fuji X-T20 for Astrophotography, I would absolutely recommend it. I was blown away by its performance this weekend. The X-T20 is extremely convenient and lightweight to pack along on backpacking trips like this one.
I would also wholeheartedly recommend a fast 1.4 lens if you can afford it/justify it. For me, the 23mm focal length is ideal. It really made these nightscape and astrophotography scenes pop.
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